The House That Ivy Built Encyclopedia

FRANCIS

[Francis] Francis Fairchild
Series role: Introduced in Book 1: Nina’s mother. Functions as an open-minded, accepting figure in Nina’s life who just wants her daughter to fulfill her purpose as well as be happy. Supports Nina and Ivy’s relationship wholeheartedly and functions to defend them from prejudices and attacks on all sides. Secondarily, acts as an advice-giver to Ivy, though not as often as Miss Margaret and Adele.

THE PHYSICAL:

Vitals: Soft, short, feathery brown hair with wispy not-quite bangs in the front. Average-sized brown eyes that are often squinted in a smile. Light skin. Mid thirties, a little short and average weight.

Other features: Has an unusually high voice and a sweet Southern accent, very polite speech. Pats people’s arms or hands while talking. Moves primly and daintily. Wears skirts, dresses, or comfortable pants and often no shoes in the house. Pierced ears with conservative earrings, light makeup so she’ll feel “presentable.” Wears her wedding rings always.

THE PERSONAL:

Talents/Abilities: Very intuitive, fair, and polite. Wonderful mother and good with other children too. Sewing, cooking, and counseling—very nurturing.

Weaknesses/Shortcomings: Too trusting sometimes.

Interests: Children, studies of evolution, her children’s lives, other cultures, reading, cooking.

Other information: Works as an occasional counselor for an agency. Doesn’t get active in politics usually, but ideals are far to the left. Feels she has a personal spiritual relationship with God, but doesn’t have a definition for Him. Married to Carl Fairchild, three children: Jeremy, Nina, and Erik. Friendly with Ivy and Adele and her neighbors.

THE STORY:

Francis worried about her daughter’s social life often, thinking the child would never find somewhere to fit in. Always an advocate for her apparently troubled child, she was constantly trying to get Nina into special programs. One day Ivy came home with Nina and said they were friends, and when it became apparent that Ivy wasn’t the usual mentor, Francis was quite shocked, but underneath it all not really surprised. She’d known Nina was something special all along and saw that Ivy was the link to helping her find where she fit. Though she had to fight with Carl and Nina’s school to make them get off Ivy’s back, she is always thankful that Ivy came into her daughter’s life. She also attempts to give Ivy parental advice from time to time.  

 

 

 

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